The (Power) Issue

March 2016

Hello, Bereanites and Friends!

First order of business: We want to thank you for your overwhelming support and encouragement. There was an outpouring of positive feedback for the re-launch issue. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. We have listened to you and will continue to work hard at making the Broadcaster represent everyone in some way or the other.

We have an exciting read for you this month. The POWER issue exposes the mind, heart, and soul of the Black WOMAN. You will find introspective essays, profound poetry, and compelling articles from Berean women.

Black women experience the hardest struggles. There is pressure on us to behave a certain way and look a certain way, all the while, being told that we are inferior and will never measure up. We must make strides to change not the perceptions of who others think we are, but more so, how we see ourselves.

On the March menu, learn great fashion and beauty tips by one of Berean’s impressionable young ladies. You will be incredibly moved by Tracy’s call to ministry and inspired by Lady Aleshia’s empowerment. Back by popular demand is another edition of Cooking with Coleen: Feast your eyes on a delectable recipe for an Easter treat with family! As per your suggestions, we have created a new section, The Professional, where we highlight and promote a Berean member’s craft and profession.

Beautiful, brave, talented, and bold are among the many wonderful attributes of the Black Woman, but POWERFUL truly speaks to who we are. Our struggles build character and pride. With each day, we become smarter, wiser, and stronger.

Welcome to the issue.

Elizabeth Duplessy, Editor

Joseph Jones, Diaconate Advisor

Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it, and win it in every generation. ~Coretta Scott King

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THE BROADCASTER TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS

Maureen Hines, Photographer

Annie Hickson, Special Contributor

FROM THE EDITORS

Alicia Fabre Black Interest & Culture

Kyrie Hills Fashion & Beauty

Coleen Nation Culinary & DIY

The Broadcaster is making the move to paperless. Check for

monthly issues ONLINE at www.bereanbaptist.org

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness. ~Oprah

PAGE 3 Happy 60th Birthday to our

First Lady, Dr. Angela Griffin - a wonderful woman of God

who leads by example. You are strong, beautiful, and resilient.

May God continue to shine His light on you and bless you richly.

A Message from the Chairs Dr. B: Women’s Season is about strengthening old sisterhood relationships, forming new and interesting ones, getting to experience my Berean family (female, male, young, not-so-young) in countless, beautiful, creative, intriguing and challenging ways. During the past 2 seasons, I have witnessed positive transformations in the lives and personalities of women who have allowed themselves to be open to new possibilities, new self-awareness, and valued worth.

Sis Green: Women’s Season is about generating excitement and bringing women of all ages together. During this season and beyond, I am hopeful that an attitude of cooperation will be nurtured so that we all can achieve a common goal of healthy self-preservation. We sincerely hope that the events this month will invigorate

you, challenge you, engage you, and BLESS YOU!

Dr. Terry Bonnett & Sis. Annette Green

Courtesy of Maureen W

illiams

2016 Women’s Season Chairpersons

With the natural eyes, it's impossible to see in the supernatural realm. Hard Eyes: Callous Eyes Blinded Eyes: Glaucoma Eyes Dark Eyes: Lacking-Light Eyes My heart BREAKS when I think about Godly people who really don't believe in God's supernatural realm. They've never seen it so, therefore, it doesn't exist in their...... Natural Eyes: Fleshly Eyes Black Eyes: Without Color Eyes Astigma Eyes: Can't Focus on Light Eyes Far-sighted Eyes: Never Seeing in Faith Eyes Near-sighted Eyes: So close- but yet so far from seeing God Move Eyes

Supernatural is too SUPER to the natural eyes---Never able to experience the Angelic assistance in the supernatural realm so they look with their human eyes to see something that is far beyond their vision. How can eyes imagine? How can eyes create when.......eyes can't see to ''write the vision and to make it plain?'' Three snaps of my fingers to wake up the blind. Though they can't see, they must ask God to open the eyes of their hearts so they can see and hear in the Spirit; and not be like those who have eyes that can't see, ears that can't hear, and hearts that lacks understanding. We need: Eyes of Wisdom: Discerning Eyes Eyes of Hope: Faithful Eyes Eyes of Knowledge: Understanding Eyes Eyes that Pray: Intercession Eyes Eyes that Avoid Conflict: Peaceful Eyes Eyes that Repels Hate: Loving Eyes Eyes that Gives Another Chance: Forgiving Eyes Eyes of Glory: Spiritual Eyes And Eyes that Pierces Through the Natural Realm: SUPERNATURAL EYES!

from an outsider into a daughter we all have issues and situations that we are dealing with in life we need to learn to simply trust in the healing power of Christ going through private pains and suffering dark days attempting to hold it all together just trying to make a way but if you only trust and truly believe a healing from Christ you will then receive He might not come when you want Him but He'll be there when you need Him most just by touching the hem of His ministry you'll get the healing power of the Holy Ghost a woman who had a blood issue suffered for many years shunned by her peers living outside society in abject fear but when she heard about Jesus she knew what she had to do she stepped out on faith seeking a healing truth for in life it's not about the stuff that you're going through it's all about the amount of faith that dwells within you

true faith has the power to help you heal true faith is what you need to feel and when Christ has healed you don't keep it all inside tell your testimony spread it far and wide now Jesus immediately felt the healing power in Him recede so He asked who touched me in their time of need the Disciples tried to tell Him, Master you're in a crowded place but Jesus knew His healing power went out as an act of grace then that woman who had the blood issue dropped to His feet and confessed Jesus said "daughter through your faith you're now healed" and no longer stressed to go from an outsider to now being a daughter in Christ by letting the world know what Jesus has done in your life

There is a kind of strength that is almost frightening in black women. It’s as if a steel rod runs right through the head down to the feet. ~Maya Angelou

by shyla hyde

By Louise Nelson

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Berean Profiles: LADY Aleshia Hyde

I’m convinced that we Black Women possess a special indestructible strength that allows us to not only get down, but to get up, to get through, and to get over. ~ Janet Jackson

Aleshia, the mother @bereanprofiles

As a mother, I am empowered by my desire to see to it that I provide my children with all that they stand in need of, in order to become successful in life. As a people, it seems that we always need to be two steps ahead, and twice as talented or educated, in order to even begin to be considered for anything in life. Therefore, it is my obligation to provide my children with the spiritual, mental, and educational tools that they will need, in order to ensure that they become more in this life, than society believes them to be capable of becoming. I am empowered by my drive to prove to society that my children, and our children, are more than what the statistics say. #empowered

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Aleshia, the wife @bereanprofiles As a wife, I am empowered by my husband. Knowing that I have someone who loves me on my good and bad days, and motivates me to keep striving. This in turn, motivates me to be the best wife I can be. Having someone who truly has your best interest at heart, helps you to analyze yourself, and hold yourself accountable, and if you are not bringing your “A” game. Lastly, ensuring that my husband knows that I will always have his back, is what empowers me as a wife. #empowered

Aleshia, the individual @bereanprofiles As an individual, I am empowered by God, for I know that I am only who I am, and where I am, because of Him. It is my faith in God that empowers me to keep going, when I truly feel like just throwing in the towel. I am empowered by the fact that with God on my side, the sky is the limit. If God has decreed it for me, I know there is nothing, or no one, who can stop it. I am empowered by the fact that where I am now, is not the end, but just the beginning for me, for I know that God has much more in store for me to do. I know that He has placed gifts, as well as, a desire to help others, inside of me, and will use it for His kingdom’s building. #empowered

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Courtesy of Maureen Williams

Courtesy of Maureen Williams PAGE 7

African Heritage Sunday

Winter showcase

Courtesy of Maureen Williams

february

rewind

MARCH

1 Maria Davis Quantasia Gales Michael Geth Bryan Resse, Jr. Gracie Williams

2 Bessie Dantzler

3 Yvonne Daley Gail Davis Javonne Morgan Ernestine Wright

4 Aisha Kirby Rosalie Nelson Yasmin Spears Denise Williams Eleanor Williams

6 Marilyn Baskin

5 Hattie Bacote Bernice Cannon Robert Nolley Nicole Williams Mary Yehudah

7 Francine Cadett Bettye Carter Margaret Greaves Iona Mintz Thurman Thompson

9 Mae Belin Doris Greene Linda Leach Shaun Miller

11 Daryl Cloird Sara Johnson Leila Richardson

10 Barbara Belgrave Jessica Lewis Cynthia Rouse

12 Ruth Baines Demarcus F. Bush Jaquay Gillespie Gwendolyn Towns Reginald Walker

13 Dawn Foster William Minter, 3rd Bessie Wood

14 Glennamore Thom

15 Marie Bolden

19 Louise Lawrence

16 Lorna Cruz Tyetta Gillespie Jessica Hodnett Tiesha Samuel Marie Williams

17 Carol Blake Cynthia Freeman, Patricia Hills Bryan Resse Bernard Scott

18 Annette Bryant Geraldine Ingram Perry Lewis Ethel Smith

21 Jason Fleming Crystal Hilton Michelle Morris Jazmin Williams

22 FIRST LADY, DR. ANGELA FARR-GRIFFIN Russell M. Kemper

23 Kevin Carter Merlene Humphrey Carol Jarrett Ronald Jenkins Cashmere Watson-Tillman

24 Natayshia Critteton

25 Shermane Woolcock

26 Ernest Carolina Edwin Cunningham Kevin Hudson Ashley Mazyck Jacqueline McDuffie Mahogany Smith

27 Linda Council Patrica Harris Krystianni Hills Silvia Laventura-Goff Lynn Nelson

28 Vincent Coleman Cheryl Hines Rosa Laventura Curtis Rouse

29 Michael Johnson Barbara Richards Gene Washington Eva Waymer

31 Gregory McMillian Henry Taylor

30 Wanda Freeman

HAVE A BLESSED BIRTHDAY!!!

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)

WORD OF THE MONTH TENACITY

(təˈnasədē)

noun. determination, perseverance

She showed great tenacity as she pursued her dreams of becoming a surgeon.

Tip of the Month

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Have a stain on your couch? Use ammonium to get dirt and grease stains out of furniture and carpet. Spray ammonium on a cloth to blot out any stains. Be sure to first test

the ammonium on a hidden spot to avoid bleach-outs. Not all materials work well with the solution.

I did not grow up in the church. My first church experience did not occur until I was 25 years old when I

became a member at a Fundamental Independent Baptist Church (FIBC) in

Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. I was so hungry for God and the Lord’s Word. As a novice, the Bible was very confusing to me; therefore, I began attending the FIBC. Though the church gave me the fundamentals of the Bible, the more I read, the more I wanted to serve. Unfortunately, in the fundamental church, women are unable to serve, lead, or teach (only to the youth). However, my old pastor allowed me to serve in other ways. I actively participated in weekly evangelism, arrived early to open, clean, and setup for worship service, contacted visitors and potential members, and served as an usher in our storefront church. My pastor, noticing my restlessness, lent me his old Bible college books which I read voraciously. But a stirring that I could not fathom was building up within me. I increased my reading and praying as I asked God for direction. I prayed and fasted for twenty-six hours. The Lord told me to move. He wanted me to leave my church. I was numb, afraid, and sad. After five years, I did not want to leave my second home. I met with my pastor and his wife for guidance. After the meeting, they gave me a women’s devotional book. Written on the inside flap was: “We don’t know what’s going on with you, but maybe you should focus your energies on preparing for a mate. You know I’ve always said you’d make a wonderful pastor’s wife. Maybe you should look into Christian Mingle.” The stirring and emptiness in my soul would not be

alleviated by a man, but by the increase of God in my life! Not surprisingly, after this meeting, I left that church in 2011.

For one year, I looked for my new church home. When I did not find one immediately, I became depressed and questioned if I heard the call correctly. Should I have stayed? Soon, I stopped attending church altogether. Taking the advice of my old pastor and his wife, I entered into a relationship with a man and diverted all of my energy and time towards him. Later, I realized that I was not happy because my soul did not long to be with this man. My soul longed to reconnect with the Lord. The Lord led me to Berean in 2012 where I was affirmed by the New Members and Discipleship Ministry. They helped me to understand that some of my

restlessness was related to my need to worship. Berean taught me how to worship! For a year, I continued to worship, study, read the Word, fast, and pray. Under the direction of New Members and Discipleship, I was able to teach Sunday school, weekly Bible Study, and lead prayer at shut-in services. In the midst of all these activities, the

restlessness and the stirring in my soul came back. However, I ignored it. I questioned the call. Was it a call at all? Or was it just a call to service? I was comfortable, content, and happy with my church, and my role as a leader in New Members and Discipleship Ministry. I was also serving in various other ministries including: the Hospitality Ministry, Agape, and the Berean Broadcaster. I was worshipping, praying, and participating in corporate and individual fasts regularly. Outside of the four walls, I was witnessing and praying for my family, friends, and coworkers. I exhibited my faith through my works. I exhibited my faith through my personal relationship with God. I exhibited my faith by striving for holiness. I could not fathom what else the Lord needed of me………….. (TO BE CONTINUED)

Once you know who you are, you don’t have to worry anymore. ~ Nikki Giovanni

my journey my call BY TRACY SMITH SIMON

“My soul longed to reconnect with

the Lord.”

PART 1

PAGE 10

THE P

ROFESSIONAL

Like a lot of black women, I have always had to invent the power my freedom requires. ~June Jordan

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LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS

Quotefalls 42

PROFESSING THEMSELVES TO BE WISE THEY BECOME FOOLS (Romans 1:22, KJV)

Creative Ladies Ministry w

ww

.juliabettencourt.com

1. What spice was NOT used in the burial

preparation?

2. Who helped Joseph prepare the body for

burial?

3. How long did the darkness last?

4. Who did Pontius Pilate release just before

sentencing Jesus to death?

5. What prayer did Jesus say in the garden?

6. Who drew his sword to protect Jesus?

7. How long did Jesus appear to his disciples

after the resurrection? Co

urte

sy o

f gos

pelh

all.o

rg

*Solutions will be in next month’s issue*

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Cooking with Coleen

What you’ll need:

1 lb can of whole kernel corn 1 ½ cup self-rising flour ¼ tsp salt 2 tbsp sugar 2 eggs beaten Milk Oil for deep frying

Drain can of corn and save liquid. Make up liquid from the can, to 1 cup with milk. Combine flour, salt and sugar. Combine beaten eggs, milk mixture, and corn. Add to dry ingredients and mix just until flour is moistened. Drop batter by

tablespoon, into deep hot oil. (Oil must be at least 375 degrees F or batter will absorb the oil and become too greasy.) Fry until golden brown about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towel. Serve with warm maple syrup. Preparation and cooking

time is about 15 easy minutes, tops. You can substitute whole corn for creamed…self-rising flour for all-purpose flour…..but you have to add 2 tsp of

baking powder and use milk as needed. Remember the key to the batter, is moist, not runny!

EASTER CORNCAKE

GROWING UP DRUG-FREE

Laying the groundwork

We as parents, are the most important role models in our children’s lives. What we say and do about drugs, matters a lot when it comes to the choices our children make.

We can:

x set a positive example and get involved in the lives of our children

x get involved in their activities, know their friends, know where they’re going and what they’re doing

x create clear, consistent expectations and enforce them

x discuss the consequences of drug use

x show children that you care enormously about what choices they make about drugs

x encourage their participation in youth activities sponsored by the church and community

x obtain information be informed about the drugs that are currently being used and made available to children of all ages

Most children use drugs because:

x they want to relieve boredom x feel good/relax x forget their troubles and ease pain x have fun x satisfy their curiosity x takes risks x feel grown-up x show their independence x belong to a specific group x look cool

If your child is using drugs, know the signs. Mood swings and unpredictable behavior are frequent occurrences for preteens and teenagers. Be very vigilant.

Observe if your child is:

x withdrawn, depressed, tired, and careless about personal grooming

x hostile and uncooperative, frequently breaking curfew

x deteriorating family relationships x hanging out with a new group of friends x grades have fallen, school attendance is

irregular x Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other

activities that were once favored x change in eating and drinking habit; up at night

and sleeping during the day; x hard time concentrating

When it comes to dangerous substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, do not assume that your children know where you stand. They want you to talk to them about drugs. State your position clearly; if you

are ambiguous, they may be tempted to use.

Be a good listener so that you can gain insight into the world that your child faces each day. Have frequent conservations with your children about the harmful and deadly effects of drug use.

Children learn by example. They adapt the values we demonstrate through our actions. As they grow, they are impressed by our concern for others - visiting the sick and shut in and spending time helping others. Encourage your children to attend Sunday School and positive instructional and recreational activities. Teach them to love God and love themselves.

Children of all ages are precious in the sight of the Lord.

JOYCE B. KELLAM, M.P.A, CASAC

The black woman had had to struggle against being

a person of great strength. ~Dorothy Height

PAGE 13

ACCENTUATING WHITE

So with Women's Day around the corner, it is time to pull out that all-white you have HIDDEN in your closet from last Spring. What is white without an accent color? The all-white is pretty self-explanatory (sometimes I like to live on the edge and pull out those creams, ivories, and even eggshell). Let’s discuss accent colors! White is a “color” that matches every and anything BUT, you do not want to go overboard with the accent color.

To accent something is to emphasize a particular feature. You are going to want to pick ONE color and focus on that. Let’s say: you are wearing a nice white dress, and you pick the color you want to accent it with. For this example we will use the color red. Think: Where can you incorporate the red without looking like Christmas is tomorrow?

Nails: A nice red nail polish can give you just enough accent without going overboard. Scarf/Hat: Now you know I live for a good hat! Be sure to find the right

shade and shape for your face and skin tone. A scarf can also be a good choice since weather can be so unpredictable. It is a great way to stay cute and warm.

Shoes: This might be the easiest way to go. Everyone loves a pop of color with their shoes. Take a chance and throw on those hot pink shoes that you've convinced yourself were a good buy. Blazer: Another easy choice, don't think about it - just throw it on and go! These choices are all quite simple when you think about it. When wearing white, you don't want to choose a multitude of colors (unless it’s a gorgeous splatter shoe). It can distract from the focal point of your outfit. Let the accent be complimentary.

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Makeup: Wearing all white can have a tendency to wash you out. And we cannot have that! So how do we fix that? MAKEUP! - one of my favorite art forms and pass times. (Yes, makeup is an art form!)

Foundation: Even out your complexion with a couple dabs of

foundation. Don't forget to use a primer before to help secure that the foundation won't go anywhere (especially on that your white outfit or on someone else's). Don't forget to blend, blend, blend, blend, blend. I cannot say it enough! Blend into the hairline and past your jawline so it doesn't look like you're wearing a mask.

Eyeshadow: Remember when we talked about accents and picking just one color? Kind of the same concept here! But you don't want to be too matchy, so if you're wearing green as your accent color, I wouldn't advise wearing green eyeshadow. Bronzes, Golds, and other skin tone colors look good with almost anything and they really bring out brown eyes (for us, Brown-eyed beauties).

**Sidenote: Choose one: Eyes or Lips? If you are going to wear that smoky eye that you have been practicing, that’s great! It must be blended to perfection. If you want to wear a sharp bold look, go with a red lip! But please, DO NOT WEAR BOTH. If you are going to play up the eyes do it,

but pair it with a simple nude lip. If that Ruby Roo lip is calling out to you, Answer Her, and keep the eyes neutral.**

Now that we have that covered……let’s carry on.

Lips: So we're wearing all white and depending on what your accent color is, you may be able to get away with any shade (that suits your skin tone). To make your lipstick last longer apply a lip liner first and then the lip color. If you are really feeling fancy,

apply a lip primer before the lip liner. Give it a second to adhere to your lips before you go in with your lip liner and lipstick. Do this, so that you can sing, shout, and praise, without your lipstick going anywhere. I hope these tips helped and I am so excited to see the looks created for Women's Day. Remember that you are Beautiful - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Until Next Time Berean Beauties, K. Hills

+

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april events

Women’s Day 2016 Berean Baptist Church

April 3rd 7:47 AM & 11:00 AM

Speaker: Dr. Fatimah S. Salleh Celebrate Women’s Day with our sisters from

Berean: Raleigh and other guest churches. Color: White

Donation: $100 Theme: Women Walking with Confidence in the Power and Presence of God. (Hebrews 10:35-37)

First Lady Dr. Angela Griffin’s Birthday Celebration Berean Baptist Church

April 3rd 2:00 PM Shower our wonderful First Lady with love, gifts, and birthday blessings

WE LOVE YOU!!!

A Night of Elegance (Borough Hall Reception)

209 Joralemon Street April 7th

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Attire: Semi-Formal

Nominate a woman who you feel deserves an Ultimate Makeover. Two

winner presented at reception.

New Members & Discipleship Service Sis. Tracy Simon’s Initial Sermon

Berean Baptist Church April 24th 11:00 AM

Be in the Lord’s House for a powerful worship experience. Pray and support Sis. Tracy as she

walks in her purpose and call to ministry.

Gospel Café & Fish Fry (Block Party Fundraiser) Berean Baptist Church

April 30th 5:00PM

The Agape Ministry invites you to an evening of gospel, jazz, dance, spoken word, silent auctions, and of course, fried fish! You will also have a change to bid on a week’s vacation. All

this and more, for only $20. Proceeds to benefit the Annual Block Party and Health Fair. See any member of the Agape Ministry for tickets.

As a young black women in today's society, I strongly believe in the power of encouragement. I feel that it is important to always

encourage other young black women. Let us serve as big sisters - looking out for them and giving them the tools to deal with the

hardships of society. There are so many women who came before me that I admire - Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Madam C.J.

Walker, Coretta Scott King, Bessie Coleman and Michelle Obama. These women have set a wonderful example for us. How amazing would it be if became positive role models for young black women

today. Black women face hardships and struggles, but we will continue to rise and thrive! We have to stick together, not letting anything stop us or tear us apart. Let us stop arguing and fighting.

Together, we will be successful!

Black Woman Power

by Alicia Fabre

THE HISTORIC BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH 1635 DR. HYLTON L. JAMES BLVD BROOKLYN, NY 11213

DR. ARLEE GRIFFIN, JR., SENIOR PASTOR REV. TREVOR HYDE, ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Tel: 718-774-0466 / Email: www.bereanbaptist.org

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